MAN of the moment Shane Williams believes the Welsh players have answered their critics with their remarkable World Cup display against New Zealand.

The game may have ended in a 53-37 defeat, but winger Williams feels the team proved a big point at Sydney's Telstra Stadium.

"It has been hard for Welsh rugby over the last couple of years," said the flying wing, who brought a new dimension to Wales' game.

"We've had a lot of stick. We have been accused of not showing pride or passion. I think this performance has proved those critics wrong.

"We are a huge rugby country. Everyone knows the Welsh rugby team wherever you go in the world.

"It's just nice that we've had the chance to prove a point, while playing one of the best, if not the best team, in the world."

Williams had been a doubtful starter for yesterday's final group match, having been in bed with the flu last week.

But he recovered in time to make his World Cup debut - and what a memorable one it was, as he capped a scintillating display with his 13th try in 12 Tests.

"To be honest, I wasn't sure whether I would be playing," he said.

"Having the flu gave me a little bit of time off from training. Maybe that did me the world of good, I don't know.

"I'm just glad that I did recover and that I had the opportunity to play. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

"I've always idolised the New Zealanders since I was young. They are a great team and to have the chance to play against them, such a strong side as well, was brilliant.

"I think because I hadn't played for such a time and it was a massive game as far as I was concerned I wanted to go out there and enjoy myself - and the only way you can do that is if you give 100 per cent.

"I was nervous about that more than anything, not the fact that I was playing New Zealand.

"But luckily enough I kept it together and went out there and expressed myself.

"It was a brilliant crowd and a brilliant atmosphere. There was such a din out there.

"I did notice a lot of the fans got behind Wales as the match went on and I think it did lift the players to hear the Welsh chants and everything.

"There was a lot of support there and it makes the game easier when you have that."

One Aussie journalist was so impressed with the Osprey's side-stepping as to declare it was the best they'd seen since David Campese hung up his boots.

When asked whether Campo was an inspiration, Williams said, "He was an idol of mine.

"When you see someone side-step like that you want to try it yourself.

"It's part of my game and something that I work on."

The 26-year-old has staked a major claim for a starting place in Wales' next match - Sunday's World Cup quarter-final against England in Brisbane.

Whoever plays in that game, he says the aim must be to repeat the showing yesterday, but to go one better by tasting victory.

"Coming off the field, we were disappointed to have lost, but a lot of the players had smiles on their faces because we put a really good performance in.

"For the players to feel like that again, we've got to perform well next week.

"It's a bigger game, of course, being England. We just want to go out there and express ourselves again, but come away with a win this time.

"Whatever side England pick will be strong, but the team are just going to look forward to the game.

"If we can enjoy ourselves as much we did against the new Zealanders, then so much the better."